25 killed in major fire at Arpora nightclub in North Goa

Mangalore Today News Network

Arpora (Goa), Dec 7, 2025: A massive fire swept through the popular nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora early on Sunday, killing 25 people and injuring six others, officials said.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the six injured are in stable condition and are receiving advanced medical care. Officials said most of the victims died due to suffocation caused by heavy smoke.

Authorities have so far identified four tourists and 14 staff members among the deceased, while the identity of the remaining seven victims is being verified.

The fire broke out around 1 am. Initial suspicion of a cylinder blast near the kitchen was later ruled out after inspection found the cylinders intact, the Director General of Police said.

The blaze reportedly engulfed the building within seconds, leaving little time for occupants to escape. Fire tenders battled the flames for nearly two hours before bringing the situation under control.

The bodies have been sent for post-mortem, and rescue operations continued through the night. The nightclub has been sealed, and the owners and management are being questioned.

Police said the probe will examine the club’s fire safety measures, gas connections and emergency exits, amid preliminary indications of violations of fire safety norms.